Boyle receives good news on healing wrist

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published December 8, 2007

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TAMPA - Defenseman Dan Boyle, four weeks after a second wrist-tendon surgery, got a positive report from orthopedic surgeon Thomas Graham after examinations Monday and Tuesday at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore.

There is still no timetable for Boyle's return, or even when he will get on the ice, but Lightning trainer Tommy Mulligan said Friday that Graham was "pleased" and things were "progressing nicely."

Boyle, hurt Sept. 22 when a skate fell off a hook atop his locker and sliced three tendons in his left wrist, declined comment. But his agent, George Bazos, said he got the same report.

"The doctor was happy with everything," Bazos said. "He's happy with the way things looked. Danny is getting into rehab right now, and everything seems to be good."

Mulligan said that Boyle, during his two days in Baltimore, worked with hand therapists and was given "a specific rehab protocol."

Bazos said it would be counterproductive to create the pressure of expectations by setting a timetable for his client's return. The first comeback for Boyle, 31, ended after only four games because two of the tendons ruptured.

"We've purposely stayed away from even thinking about it," Bazos said.

"We just want Dan to come back when he's ready. Putting a timetable on it, no one knows. I know he's going to get back as soon as he can."